FINANCE, CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

 

May 19, 2004

 

 

A special meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee was held on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  Chairperson Dale called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. with a quorum present.

 

MEMBER PRESENT:                             Rita Dale, Richard Timmer, Don Cooper, Aaron

Hopper (5:10p.m.), Ted Postula (5:25 p.m.)

 

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:                Earl Kay and James Moore

 

OTHERS PRESENT:                Tim Dolehanty, County Controller, Sharon Kennedy, Register of Deeds/Equalization Director, Brian Peppler, Prosecuting Attorney, Jeff Moran, Sheriff, Nicholas Lambros, Circuit Court Judge, Thelma Bosbous, Friend of the Court, Jim Lucas, MSU Co-op Extension, William Dyke Justin, Mary Piralli

 

Approval of the Agenda

Chairperson Dale called for additions or deletions to the agenda.  Hearing none, she declared the agenda approved as presented.

 

Agenda Items: Potential Budget Rescissions

Controller Dolehanty presented the Committee with a hand out for potential savings from Furlough Time, Health Insurance Premium Co-pays and changing Compensated Absences payout.

 

Register of Deeds/Equalization Department

Register of Deeds/Equalization Department Sharon Kennedy appeared before the Committee presenting them with documentation regarding different aspects of the three cost centers she is accountable for.  Director Kennedy stated “If need be the Board of Commissioners could take her Equalization salary.”

 

Prosecuting Attorney

Prosecuting Attorney Brian Peppler appeared before the Committee to discuss replacement of a vacancy in his office.  He requested permission to hire a full time Legal Secretary I.  The mandates of the Prosecutor’s Office were discussed, as well as, the added burden to Mr. Peppler’s current staff.  Mr. Peppler stated “He could creatively come reach the $33,000 cut, but not without punishing his current staff.  The need for a Strategic Plan was also discussed by the committee.  Mr. Peppler was asked to forward a written version of potential savings from his department.

 

Sheriff

Sheriff Jeff Moran appeared before the Committee to discuss budget rescissions for his cost centers.  He noted he was still working on the $175,000 figure, and that there is no way to save without costing the county.  In the next couple of weeks five deputies will be pulled off the roads, to release five part time corrections officers in the jail.  With these cuts the Sheriff’s Department will only be responding to true emergencies, and Marine Unit #1 will not be in the water this year.  Sheriff Moran noted with these changes he will save approximately $100,000.  The Sheriff has also, held meetings with both of his union groups, whom have reacted positively and are willing to help where they can.  Sheriff Moran will forward written documentation of these savings and all other potential savings for the county.

 

 

Circuit Court

Honorable Nicholas Lambros appeared before the Committee to discuss current budgetary potential savings.  Judge Lambros sought permission from the Board of Commissioners to give a thirty (30) day notice of cancellation for the Circuit Court Referee Contract held by Chuck Palmer.  The Board concurred with the Judge’s decision, with a cost savings of $21,000 per year.  This cancellation also contributes to an additional savings of $30,000 in equipment that will not have to be purchased.  Discussion also included 1FTE not being replaced in the Friend of the Court Office, retirement of current staff and the lack of control over jury trials. 

 

Adjourn

Chairperson Dale declared the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________                      ____________________________________

Kelly J. Beaune, Recorder                                                                                Rita Dale, Committee Chairperson